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The crash happened on Route 981, near Substation Road, at about 4:45 a.m.

The victims were identified as William Ray Leighty, 53, of Scottdale, and his son, William III, 29, of Connellsville. Autopsies will be performed later in the day.

Police said the driver of the pickup truck, Robert VanDyke, 61, was headed southeast on Ruffsdale-Alverton Road when he tried to make a left turn onto Substation Road and hit the rear driver's side of the Leightys' vehicle, which was headed north on Route 981.

"The operator of vehicle No. 1 said there was a vehicle behind him that distracted him with lights in his rearview mirror. That part of the investigation is still undetermined," said Trooper Steve Limani.

The Leightys' truck spun counter-clockwise and began to roll over, and both of the men were ejected, police said. The son, who police said was driving, was pronounced dead at Excela Health Frick Hospital, and his father died at the crash scene.

The impact of the crash sent VanDyke's vehicle down the hill on Substation Road. Police said the driver was not treated at the scene for injuries.

"A pickup truck actually T-boned the car coming the other way, and the car that the people was killed in actually had the right of way," witness Gerald Eicher said.

State police spent hours collecting evidence at the scene while they investigated the crash. At this point, Limani said VanDyke is not facing any charges.

Neighbors said the Leightys were on their way to work at the time of the crash. Both men were not wearing seat belts, police said.

Family gathered at the elder Leighty's house Tuesday afternoon. His sister, Maureen Murphy, said the two men worked together as painters for gas meters.

"Very nice, caring people. They were fun to be around. Everybody liked him. I'm gonna miss him. I'm gonna miss him a lot," Murphy said. "We'll just stick together and do what we can do. Be here for Tracy and the grandkids. That's all we can do."

Eicher and other neighbors described the intersection as a problem spot where they frequently see collisions.

"I'd like to see the sight distance improved on that corner, or else a four-way stop," Eicher said.